The hyena is more closely related to the mongoose and cat than the dog.

5.

The hyena is primarily a hunter, not a scavenger. They usually hunt alone however clans will hunt together in order to catch larger prey. They are also good opportunistic hunters.

ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION

Hyenas, like several other African carnivores, are important for the health of hoofed animal populations by weeding out the weak and sick as prey items. Their predation helps to keep the balance between these herds and their food resources. Hyenas are particularly efficient predators since they are capable of digesting bones, horns and even the teeth of their prey. Hyenas are also important to the study of the evolution of carnivores.